Cash for gold shops must establish goods’ legal owners

By Cormac O’Keeffe

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Cash for gold shops will have to establish legal ownership of goods being sold to them and retain identification and contact details of sellers.

The claim was made by Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins who said he had been informed of the proposed measures by Justice Minister Alan Shatter.

The minister is due to publish a report on the cash for gold trade soon.

The shops have mushroomed across the country in recent years and concerns have been expressed by many — including gardaí and politicians — that they are used by criminals and drug addicts to sell on stolen gold. Gardaí have pointed out that burglars specifically target jewellery, as well as cash, in break-ins.

Mr Shatter received a report from the Garda Commissioner on the shops last August and his department has been working on its own report since then.

In a statement, Mr Higgins said: "Following representations to Minister Shatter last year, I am pleased to report the minister has confirmed the Department of Justice is finalising a report on the criminal aspects of the cash for gold trade."

He added: "Last year, the country was devastated by a spate of jewellery and metal thefts. I impressed upon the minister the urgent need for action in order to stop such business offering cash realisation for stolen goods.

"The minster has taken my suggestions on board, namely imposing a minimum number of retention days for goods; secondly, the introduction of standardised mandatory questions in order to establish the legal ownership of the goods and also retention of the ID and contact details of the seller."

He said his party colleague had also confirmed his department was working with gardaí to establish a metal theft forum.

"A metal theft crime prevention and reduction plan is also being developed in discussion with the metal theft forum; I have been assured that the plan will be published in the near future," said Mr Higgins.

A spokeswoman for Mr Shatter said the report was being finalised: "No decision has been made in the matter, however following consideration of the report and all views in the matter, the Minister will make an assessment as to what, if any, action, legislative or otherwise, may be required."

This appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Saturday, February 18, 2012